Resilient marine mammal nose cup

ABSTRACT

A tool holder of general applicability has a molded rubber construction to frictionally engage the nose of the user. Spaced apertures in the tool holder permit attachment of tools and other apparatus thereto as well as permitting normal breathing of the wearer.

United States Patent 1 91 Seiple [111 3,745,976 [45'] Jul 17,1973

1 1 RESILIENT MARINE MAMMAL NOSE CUP {75] Inventor: Ronald L. Seiple, Kailua, Hawaii [73] Assignee: The United States 01 America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C.

[22] Filed: Dec. 30, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 214,227

[52] US. Cl. 119/129 5 1 1 1 m, Cl 011; @2100 [58] Field ofSearch ..1 19/129-134; 54/80;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Lupo, Sr. 54/80 X Smith ct al 119/129 X Young et a1. 119/130 X Primary Exaniiner-Louis G. Manccnc Assistant Examiner-J. N. Eskovirtz Att0rney- Richard' S. Sciascia, Ervin F. Johnston et al.

57 ABSTRACT A tool holder of general applicability has a molded rubber construction to frictionally engage the nose of the user. Spaced apertures in the tool holder permit attachment of tools and other apparatus thereto as well as permitting normal breathing of the wearer.

5 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures RESILIENT MARINE MAMMAL NOSE CUP STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

FIELD OF THE INVNETION This invention relates to a body engaging tool holder. In greater particularity, this invention relates to a tool holder which frictionally engages the nose and face portion of the user such that the tool may be moved or operated without the use of the limbs. More particularly, but not by way of limitation thereto, this invention is germane to a nose and face mounted tool holder for marine mammals. In still greater particularity, and for purposes of illustration, this invention relates to a tool holder of molded synthetic rubber material which is worn by a sea lion in performance of trained tasks underwater.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART In general, the field of body worn tool holders is a rather esoteric art. That is, most of the developments of body worn tool holders have been for a specific purpose. The largest, and best known branch, of this field is, of course, the field of prosthetics which deals with the replacement of limbs or body members with artifical devices. However, other body worn tool holders are not unknown in the arts. For example, a wide variety of special purpose shoes which hold tool implements useful in placing devices used for various operations or for providing impacting services such that blows may be delivered by the foot of the wearer are known in the artjLikewise, a wide variety of special gloves are available for specific purposes. However, tool holders which are worn by other body members than the limbs of the user are comparative rarity in the tool holder art. In general, those tool holders which are worn or supported about the head or face of the user have been largely limited to holding accessory devices for the task to which the worker is engaged. For example, the light source attached to the surgeons forehead or the miners protective head gear comes readily to mind.

A need for head and face supported tool holders has recently become of great importance in the marine engineering arts. Workers engaged in these endeavors have long been impressed with the prowess of certain sea mammals in diving and moving in the aquatic environment. Further experience with these sea mammals has shown them to be easily trained and very cooperative with marine engineers in their underwater activities. Many have been broken to harness and have been used to carry objects from the surface to points below the surface much more quickly than could beaccomplished by other means.

However, the body configuration of most of these mammals has evolved along the lines of hydrodynamic efficiency and, while suitable for their own natural forging of the seas of the world, do not lend themselves to the performance of mechanical work. That is, the limbs of these mammals while very strong are configured for propelling them through the water and not for the engagement of tools or other apparatus. Prior attempts to make the animals operate tools have employed a variety of harnesses and other equipment worn about the head and neck of the animal. The most promising of these are the type which the animal wears about its face and nose. Those who have witnessed trained seals balance balls and do other performing acts are aware of the dexterity of these animals with their face and nose portions. Attempts to utilize these phenomenal skills have resulted in many different types of nose cups being fabricated.

One such type prior art nose cup included a fiberglass component which was lined with neoprene rubber so as to conform to the animals individual facial features. The fiberglass nose cup, being rigid, must be fitted for each individual user. This is an expensive and time consuming project. Further, at times the rubber lining is cut through by the sharp fiberglass and injures the animal. Such injuries, besides impairing the health of the animal, cause the training process to be impeded due to the pain of the facial injury.

Another prior art work holder to fit the animal's face nylon and neoprene elements sewn together with aluminum straps for the attachment of the devices. Devices of this type are especially time consuming and troublesome to fabricate, that is, they are normally made by hand and fitted individually to the intended animal. Further, such devices have not provided the satisfactory attachment for the :mechanical devices which the animals are trained to use.

A machined cup type of nosepiece has also been tried with very limited success. Such models have proven to be heavy and bulky out of the water and although providing satisfactory mechanical support, it must, like others, be individually fitted to the animal.

None of the known prior art devices, including the aforedescribed, offer the advantages of light weight in the water, ease of maneuverability with the animal, a firm support for a tool attached thereto, and universal applicability to a variety of animals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides a multi-animal fitting soft, flexible, lightweight nose cup. This nose cup may be used for sea lions as well as other marine animals. It is made of a synthetic rubber material which is flexible enough that a frictional fit is obtained with the nose and face portions or rostrums of various size of marine mammals. Further, it is rigid enough to affix mechanical training devices as well as the specific tools which the animal is trained to use. Further, the device of the invention is comfortable and is easy to place on the animal.

STATEMENT OF THE OBJECTS OF'THE' INVENTION With the foregoing discussion in mind, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved tool holder.

A further object of the invention is to provide a tool holder for facial attachment.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tool holder suitable for underwater applications. Still another object of this invention is to provide a tool holder for nose attachment to the user for underwater applications.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a tool holder suitable for use by marine mammals.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a tool holder for.nose and rostrum attachment to marine mammals Another object of this invention is the provision of an improved tool holder for nose and rostrum attachment to marine mammals made of a molded rubber material.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a tool holder for nose attachment to marine mammals which does not interfere with their breathing.

These and other objects of the invention will become more readily apparent from the ensuing specification when taken with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the device of the invention shown fitted to a user thereof;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the device of the invention removed from the user; and

FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the device of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, tool holder according to the invention indicated generally at 11, is shown being worn by a sea lion 12. A tool 13 is shown as being attached to forward end of tool holder 1 1. Because tool 13 forms no part of the present invention, it is shown in broken lines. Sea lion 12 is also shown wearing a muzzle 14, the forward part of which is not visible in the illustration. Like tool 13, muzzle 14 forms no direct part of the present invention but is used when the animals are depolyed to prevent the animal from foraging for food after its mission is accomplished.

Referring to FIG. 2, it may be seen that the tool holder 11 comprises a frustoconical nose cup 15. Nose cup 15 has a solid bottom, or terminal, end 16 and an open end 17. In order for the animal to see over nose cup 15, open end 17 has a portion cut away forming eye openings or eye-piece cutaways 18 to permit sea lion 12 to see over and around the nose cup 15 with unobstructed vision. Other structures may be incorporated to comprise optical eye pieces, if desired.

Nose cup 15 is made from a urethane rubber compound which is vacuum cast into a suitable mold. Other materials may prove satisfactory but that mentioned has afforded the advantages of strength. light weight, and freedom from producing lacerations about the face of sea lion 12. The size of nose cup 15 is chosen so as ,to fit an average animal.

Four holes 19 are drilled through nose cup 15 and are equidistantly placed about the circumference thereof. Holes 19 facilitate the breathing of sea lion 12 while on the surface as well as providing a mounting for a loop 21 which circumscribes tenninal end 16. Loop 21 may be made of any suitable material including plastic, nylon, orflexible metalic members. Additionally, another hole 22 is provided in nose cup 15 extending through bottom protion 16.

In the illustrated example, a metal plate 23 is secured to the end of the nose cup 15. A pair of standards 24 extend outwardly from metal plate23 and are secured thereto by suitable threaded fasteners 25 which extend through the bottom portion 16 of nose cup 15. Of course, threaded fasteners 25 and standards 24 secure metal plate 23 to bottom end 16 of nose cup 15.

Standards 24 are representative of a variety of tool mounting devices which may be carried by tool holder 11 and, quite naturally, may be configured to cooperate with a particular tool which sea lion 12 is to use.

Standards 24 as well as plate 23 may be made of any suitable lightweight metalic substance which will provide suitable strength to mount tool 13 and will resist the corrosive action of the sea water.

Abaft holes 19 and on either side of nose cup 15 a pair of small holes 26 extend through nose cup 15. Holes 26 cooperate with other tools than tool 13 which are carried by nose cup 15. For example, a small light, a subject of another invention, has been fashioned to be carried by sea lion 12 so as to illuminate the area in which he is working with tool 13 when it is attached to the end of nose cup 15. Of course, other small portable devices may be fashioned to mount in holes 26, as desired.

The foregoing description while providing a complete structural picture of Applicants invention, will be better understood with reference to the following preferred mode of operation.

MODE OF OPERATION The operation of the device of the invention commences with the transport of seal lion 12 to the local of the diving. At the local where the diving operation is to commence, nose cup 11 is frictionally placed over the nose of sea lion 12. This may be facilitated with the use of loop 21. Tool holder 11 may be placed on the nose of sea lion 12 with tool 13 attached or, alternately, tool 13 may be attached to standards 24 after tool holder 11 is placed on the nose of sea lion 12. Sea lion 12 is then placed over the side and dives to the locale where his task is to be performed. Again, loop 21 facilitates handling sea lion 12 in the water and placing him over the side.

In instances where tool 13 is a grapnel or other attachment device, sea lion 12 is able to free himself from tool holder 11 by reason of the frictional fit of nose cup 15. Also, in the event that either tool 13, loop 21 or any other portion of tool holder 11 becomes fouled, sea lion 12 is able to free himself and return to the surface.

In instances where tool detaches itself from standards 24, sea lion 12 may return to the surface with tool holder 1 1 still in place. In such instances, loop 21 facilitates the removal of tool holder 11 such that it may be used again in other dives. In other respects, the operation of tool holder 1 1 is straight forward and follows the conventional practice of any tool holder.

The foregoing description taken together with the appended claims consitutes a disclosure such as to enable persons skilled in marine engineering and marine biology arts and having the benefit of the teachings therein to make and use the invention. Further, the structure herein described meets the objects of the invention and generally constitutes a meritorous advance in the art unobvious to such a skilled worker not having the benefit of the teachings contained herein.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings, and, it is therefore understood that within the scope of the disclosed inventive concept, the invention may be practiced otherwise than specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. A tool holder for nose and facial attachment to the tool user comprising:

cup means of molded flexible synthetic rubber material and having an open end and an oppositely disposed terminal end suitably shaped for frictional engagement with the nose and facial rostrum of the user;

eye-piece means in the open end of said cup means for facilitating visual observations by said user;

aperture means extending predetermined areas of said cup means for facilitating normal breathing of said user when said cup means is fitted thereto;

thickened bottom means integrally formed with said cup means at the terminal end thereof for providing rigid support thereat;

metal plate means covering said thickened bottom portion for providing additional rigidity therefor;

standard means extending outwardly from said metal plate means for tool engagement; and

fastener means extending through the aforesaid thickened bottom means and through said metal plate means into said standard means for joining thereof into a unitary assembly.

2. A tool holder for nose and facial attachment to the tool comprising:

cup means of molded flexible synthetic rubber material and having an open end and an oppositely disposed terminal end said cup means being suitably shaped for frictional engagement with and retention on the nose and facial rostrum of the user;

eye-piece means in the open end of said cup means for facilitating visual observations by said user;

aperture means extending through predetermined areas of said cup means for facilitating normal breathing of said user when said cup means is being retained on the nose and facial rostrum of the user;

thickened bottom means integrally formed with said cup means at theterminal end thereof for providing rigid support thereat;

loop means extending through [holes in the side of said cup means and circumscribing said terminal end for facilitating installation and removal of said cup as well as limited control of the user to which said cup is fitted; and

tool engaging means attached to and supported by said thickened bottom means for supporting tools engaged thereby to permit the movement of the tool by facial movement of the user.

3. A tool holder according to claim 2 (twice amended) in which said cup means is molded urethane.

4. A tool holder according to claim 2 (twice amended) in which said eye-piece means includes cutaway portions of said cup means.

5. A tool holder according to claim 2 (twice amended) in which said aperture means includes both transverse apertures extending through the walls of said cup as well as axially extending through the terminal end of said cup.

=l= l i =8 4* 

1. A tool holder for nose and facial attachment to the tool user comprising: cup means of molded flexible synthetic rubber material and having an open end and an oppositely disposed terminal end suitably shaped for frictional engagement with the nose and facial rostrum of the user; eye-piece means in the open end of said cup means for facilitating visual observations by said user; aperture means extending predetermined areas of said cup means for facilitating normal breathing of said user when said cup means is fitted thereto; thickened bottom means integrally formed with said cup means at the terminal end thereof for providing rigid support thereat; metal plate means covering said thickened bottom portion for providing additional rigidity therefor; standard means extending outwardly from said metal plate means for tool engagement; and fastener means extending through the aforesaid thickened bottom means and through said metal plate means into said standard means for joining thereof into a unitary assembly.
 2. A tool holder for nose and facial attachment to the tool comprising: cup means of molded flexible synthetic rubber material and having an open end and an oppositely disposed terminal end said cup means being suitably shaped for frictional engagement with and retention on the nose and facial rostrum of the user; eye-piece means in the open end of said cup means for facilitating visual observations by said user; aperture means extending through predetermined areas of said cup means for facilitating normal breathing of said user when said cup means is being retained on the nose and facial rostrum of the user; thickened bottom means integrally formed with said cup means at the terminal end thereof for providing rigid support thereat; loop means extending through holes in the side of said cup means and circumscribing said terminal end for facilitating installation and removal of said cup as well as limited control of the user to which said cup is fitted; and tool engaging means attached to and supported by said thickened bottom means for supporting tools engaged thereby to permit the movement of the tool by facial movement of the user.
 3. A tool holder according to claim 2 (twice amended) in which said cup means iS molded urethane.
 4. A tool holder according to claim 2 (twice amended) in which said eye-piece means includes cutaway portions of said cup means.
 5. A tool holder according to claim 2 (twice amended) in which said aperture means includes both transverse apertures extending through the walls of said cup as well as axially extending through the terminal end of said cup. 